Following the basic form of the 18th century dance suite, Scotland blends traditional Scottish folk tunes with modern American musical styles. Melodies derived from Highland Airs and bagpipe tunes which were popular during the 18th century (found in recent facsimiles of major collections dating from that time period) set the basis for the five movement work.

The old song Ye Gods! was Strephon's Picture blest tells the story of unrequited love - a man's longing for a woman who loves another. Playing off of American blues and Wagner's Tristan und Isolde, Kay's Allemande is a "tongue-in-cheek" take on the meaning of this text. However, most of the songs used here have no words or even names. Thus, no specific emotional or programmatic associations can be made, and the composer plays with the music freely.

This piece was met with great acclaim after its premier at the South Carolina Scottish festival in March of 2004 and again at the USC Composer's Concert later that spring. Since that time, Kay has revised and even re-composed several passages. The recording available above is from the April, 2005 performance at the University of South Carolina.